Sam Memmolo

How to Put Satellite Radio in Your Car or Home

(ARA) - Since its debut last fall, satellite radio has truly taken off. By the end of 2002, the two satellite radio services, XM and Sirius, estimate that they will have signed up more than 400,000 subscribers. With its crystal-clear digital signals, and dozens of premium, commercial-free channels, satellite radio is the new way to listen to radio.

Most people enjoy satellite radio in their cars. With 100 channels of music, news, entertainment, and sports, you'll be sure to find something you want. It's a great way to enjoy a long drive too, knowing you'll never lose a channel to static interference or poor reception.

But satellite radio is for more than just a single car. Many people don't realize some satellite radio components can be moved between cars or even from car to home. Hooking up satellite radio to your home sound system gives you an array of great listening options you won't get with traditional AM or FM signals.

For satellite radio, here's what you need to get started:

A control module -- either a receiver with built-in satellite radio controls, or a separate control/display panel that allows you to select channels.

A tuner module, which delivers the satellite signal received by the antenna to the control module. (The tuner and controller can be in a single piece of equipment.)

A satellite radio antenna.

A subscription to either XM or Sirius (monthly fees are $10-$13).

Ways to add satellite radio to your car:

1. Buy a new system for your car   A popular way to get satellite radio is to replace your car radio with an in-dash receiver that has built-in satellite radio controls, and add a same-brand, satellite radio tuner that mounts out of sight. Most major car audio manufacturers make equipment for either Sirius or XM. Tuners and controllers from different manufacturers won't work together.

2. Add satellite radio to your existing car stereo  If you want to keep your current radio, you can purchase an FM modulated package. FM modulators send a signal to an unused frequency on your radio through the FM antenna jack. You'll have access to the different satellite radio channels once you have tuned in the specific frequency.

3. Bring satellite radio from car to home Sony manufactures a plug-and-play XM tuner, with optional add-on kits, that lets you enjoy satellite radio in your car and living room. In the car, you can use the RF modulator to connect it to your receiver, use a cassette adapter that fits into the cassette deck opening, or connect it directly to your receiver's auxiliary input. You'll need an antenna connection, as well. At home, you'll simply connect it to your receiver with a docking kit, mount an optional antenna, and get all of your favorite channels any time of day.

Sony's tuner is also a good choice if you have more than one vehicle -- you can carry the tuner from one car to the next, and only pay one subscription fee.

What about an antenna?  Unlike the tuners and controllers, you're not limited to purchasing from the same manufacturer when you buy an antenna. Many car antennas mount on the roof (the wires wrap around the rear glass molding); some mount on the rear glass.

Which service provider should I use?  This depends on your choice of equipment manufacturer. Satellite radio gear is specific to either XM or Sirius; for instance, Kenwood receivers are Sirius-ready. Both offer a variety of music, entertainment, and sports programming, but the services have different channel lineups.

For tips on choosing a new in-dash receiver, visit www.crutchfield.com/carstereos

For more information on choosing a provider, check out www.crutchfield.com/siriusradio  or www.crutchfield.com/xmradio

Courtesy of ARA Content  Jan 2003

SRM Marketing Services, Inc. 2010
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